A helicopter crash in a remote Southland location has prompted the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) to make recommendations on refuelling practices.
It followed actions taken by the pilot when refuelling that enabled an opportunity for the fuel to be contaminated, which TAIC said may have contributed to the helicopter losing power.
The report by the TAIC said the helicopter in question was operated by Heliops Southland Ltd and was conducting agricultural spraying in 2016 around the Hokonui Hills.
"The pilot reported hearing the low rotor RPM warning horn just as he had turned the helicopter to fly downwind.
"The helicopter crashed into a paddock at relatively low speed."